As practical jokes go this has to be one of the most elaborate. Joaquin Phoenix is quitting acting at the height of his career to pursue his musical aspirations, in hip-hop no less. In hindsight, the whole genuine/ hoax debate seems pretty academic because the mere notion seems ridiculous doesn’t it? Well, you aint seen nothing yet. I’m Still Here sees Phoenix plunge head first into this new version of himself. Who is unwashed, un-groomed, and generally a self-indulgent prick who insults and alienates everyone around him. It’s quite a risk to take considering his insistence throughout that everything is absolutely real.
As an idea, this is quite brilliant. For Phoenix to remain in character as long as he did, and to totally manipulate the media and even David Letterman for the benefit of this film, is most impressive. He and Casey Affleck also do well with the comment they’re trying to make on reality television and celebrity. That in spite of how ludicrous it all seems it must be reality if he is using his real name. The final product however lacks a certain entertainment value. It has its moments, and watching him snort coke, hire call girls, harass P Diddy and get shat on by a disgruntled assistant all prove his commitment to the project. Unfortunately though there is just a few to many scenes of faux obnoxiousness that fill up the running time and make it drag a little too much.
3/5
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